AFFABLE Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'affable' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial , genial , gracious , and sociable . While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals. // though wealthy, she was affable to all

Q: Where would 'cordial' be a reasonable alternative to 'affable'?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness. // our host was cordial as he greeted us

Q: When can 'genial' be used instead of 'affable'?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality. // a genial companion with a ready quip

Q: When would 'gracious' be a good substitute for 'affable'?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration. // the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Q: In what contexts can 'sociable' take the place of 'affable'?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others. // sociable people who enjoy entertaining

affable

adjective

ˈa-fə-bəl

Definition of affable next

as in unaffected

having a relaxed, casual manner as the show's affable host, she keeps the freewheeling gabfest from getting out of hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations as an experienced event planner, he knows that having an affable emcee is critical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hospitable

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations although First Lady Lucretia Hayes didn't particularly enjoy her role as White House hostess, she was always affable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of affable Carter was highly educated, intelligent, affable, adaptable, reverent, and a constant supporting partner to his wife of 77 years. —

Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Clad in a black polo shirt, emblazoned with the Blue Origin logo, Bezos appeared both affable and anxious on the eve of what is the biggest moment yet for this rocket company. —

Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025 The affable Liverpudlians inspired morbid theories among fans as their hair grew longer and their songs stranger. —

Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Robinson is an affable type, quick with a smile in a good conversation and thoughtful with his answers in a post-match mixed zone. —

The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for affable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable

Adjective

Powell repeatedly has said the Fed is unaffected by political factors.

— Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Smaller cruise lines that regularly dock in Nice or anchor in the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer including Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar, and Atlas Ocean Voyages remain unaffected.

— Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025